exhilaration

noun

ig-ˌzi-lə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce exhilaration (audio)
Definition of exhilarationnext
1
as in thrill
a pleasurably intense stimulation of the feelings the lavish spectacle results in one exhilaration after another

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in ecstasy
a state of overwhelming usually pleasurable emotion the exhilaration of victory that spectators get to witness at the Olympic Games

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of exhilaration Vegas Golden Knights forward Tomáš Hertl roared in exhilaration. — Jesse Granger, New York Times, 2 June 2026 Only a few will experience the exhilaration of victory. — Peter Folan, Boston Herald, 23 May 2026 Nguyen tenderly captures the lightness, freedom and exhilaration of being in water and reigning over the waves, rules of gravity be damned. — Tomris Laffly, Variety, 13 May 2026 Pumping iron, and apparently the exhilaration of combat, has got this 67-year-old plenty revved up. — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for exhilaration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exhilaration
  1. thrill
  2. ecstasy
  3. kick
  4. joy
  5. elation
  6. happiness
  7. euphoria
  8. heaven
Noun
  • But the real thrill came when Button took the wheel and demonstrated why Formula 1 pilots are the most skilled drivers on earth, taking me on a taxi ride that revealed what the Clubsports were truly capable of.
    — Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Expedition thrills include submersibles, sea kayaks and Zodiacs.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of thrill
Noun
  • The passage is eerily similar to Salinger’s own state of mind while in uniform, specifically on a day that should have evoked ecstasy.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Such is the ecstasy, the agony, of judgment, which was never for their benefit.
    — Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of ecstasy
Noun
  • On the opening weekend, at the City Ground, they were set for a good 0-0 draw before Anton Stach stole the points with a show-stopping free-kick winner.
    — Beren Cross, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Georgia Tech responded 14 seconds later as Rahkeem Smith returned a kick 100 yards for a touchdown and tied the game.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of kick
Noun
  • Luckily, the trip ends with a palate cleanser that brings me such an enormous amount of joy.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The book is a detailed, and often very funny, account of his final years, filled with hope and despair, panic and joy and serenity.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of joy
Noun
  • Amid the elation, local officials told CNN more voices had been heard.
    — Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Fischer expressed pure elation while rounding the bases on the homer.
    — Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of elation
Noun
  • Vettese said the collection continues to be rooted in her Italian heritage, mixed with her American life including the color, happiness and California sunshine of her childhood.
    — Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2026
  • In his latest column, Joshua Rothman explores this decline in happiness among the youth, finding that the problem goes beyond their smartphones.
    — David Remnick, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of happiness
Noun
  • People are celebrating and there’s euphoria, chaos and vigilantisms.
    — Marta Balaga, Variety, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Money is inherently emotional, and many of the most consequential financial decisions occur during periods of uncertainty, fear or euphoria.
    — Alex Shahidi, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of euphoria
Noun
  • This world’s heavens are lit with cosmic rays, its cityscapes otherworldly — everything seems to service an unabashed romanticism.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
  • And thanks to Tucson’s extraordinarily dark heavens, the Sonoran skyscape takes center stage with Peace Among the Stars.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of heaven

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Cite this Entry

“Exhilaration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exhilaration. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

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